Thursday, February 26, 2015

Books read Feb 23




Back In The Game by Lori Wilde
Stardust, TX a new series! Story is about a pitcher who we learn has just lost his career due to a misunderstanding and lots of alcohol.
Also follows a woman who runs a bookstore and is a writer. He wants to write his story and hires her, after interviewing when there are others to apply for the same job.
They spend a lot of time together and we learn all their secrets, well not all of them. Especially liked how he drew her out of her comfort zone. I feel in a way, like her as I've not experienced a lot of things and they are on my 'to do' list, someday.
Ziplining sounds really fun and with a tandem it would even be shared with a loved one.  When we learn he wants to stop the book in process she doesn't cave in and they continue with the writing. Hot steamy sex scenes. Like the beginning of each chapter as we are given a glimpse into how others perceive baseball.
Love family events and how the others in the family come to her support. Love the story of the treasure chest and the hidden compartments and am happy to learn it continues in the next book. Love a mystery and the treasures that are hidden deep within.
The impossible happens and the team now hires his brother to pitch and it comes with a price and he has to make ends meet by tying up all loose ends. The story is very believable and I can really see things happening. Wish there had been more details of baseball during the telling. Loved all the stats.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
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Trains and Lovers by Alexander Smith
This 4 hour, depending on how many stops the train makes, is on its way from Edinburgh, Scotland to London, England.
There are 4 men and one woman and they get to talking. All kinds of subjects but also about love. Some tell of their grand love story when they meet their spouse or
a fond memory they have. Takes you all over the world as that is where they are all from to begin with.
Loved the travel each had described and loved the jobs of a few of them: fisherman who lost his oar and the one who had picked up the steam train in a art setting where trains had not even been invented when the painting had been finished.
I have done both things and felt a bond.  Didn't care much for the travel to and in Australia, just no bond for me there, seems like such a foreign country with the culture.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice by Steve Metzger
Story of penguins falling, one by one and hurting themselves.
Audio version so I'm not able to see the penguins slipping on the ice.
Mother called the doctor and he told her, no more penguins slipping on the ice. The other penguins also slide around ice.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




What Kind of Penguin Are You?
Free gifts are linked in the book.
Colorful children's book about jobs a person can do and they are depicted through a penguin as they try on different clothes to match the job along with aides.
I like the reading penguin the best because I LOVE to read. Another animal tries to come off as a penguin also ...
Previews of what kind of owl are you are highlighted at the end.
Like this book a lot because of all the variations of jobs one can do.


Lavender: Uncover The Incredible Health And Beauty Uses You Are Missing From This Easy To Grow Relaxing Flower (Lavender, Relaxation, Natural Remedies, Herbal Medicine)
Learned a lot of useful information about the herb Lavender, part of the mint group. Everything from fragrances to healing.
You can also use different parts of the flower/plant to cook with. Also a chapter on how to grow the plant and what works best.
Recipes included also a preview of Mint book by the same author and many other titles.



Kids Activities: 101 Indoor Activities for Kids: Ultimate Collection (TJD Series Book 2)
Great information for kids of all ages to play indoors when they are not able to get outside.
Similar to previous books by the author, this one does not include pictures of the items or games.
Each activity does tell you what you will need and suggest an age group.
We have played circle games with the grandkids and loved them.
Art and science and math and English sections are excellent.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.



Kids Activities: 101 Outdoor Activities for Kids: Ultimate Collection (TJD Series)
Helpful information on how to entertain the kids. Love the camping and seasonal activities.
Enough to keep the kids occupied for hours.
Highlighted at the end are other works by the author.

101 Art Activities for Kids and Teens: Ultimate Collection (TJD Series Book 3) 
Drawing, painting and crafts. What fun things kids can do today that are easy and fun.
No pictures but each activity will tell you what supplies and tools you will need and suggests an age group that this is suitable.
Like hearing of the things that teach along the way, like how to use a towel tubing to make a South American musical instrument.
Suncatchers would be one of my favorite to try-the variations are endless with just nature things.
Highlights at the end for 101 outdoor activities and 101 indoor activities.



Eight Life Hacks to a Healthier You
Very helpful information not only about your diet, the food you should be eating and those you should not be eating but a lot of other health advise.
Love the section on yoga and the suggestions on how to start doing it. Also the cardio and strength training exercises that should accompany a routine in your life.




What I Love About You by Rachel  Gibson
Natalie Cooper, recently divorced and she runs a photo shop and raises her toddler daughter.
Blake Younger is the next door neighbor and Natalie gains his attention...they each have sexual fantasies about one another without telling the other.
The little girl is the bond they both have to spend more time together. he got puppy bombed and now they all share the dog. He's just out of rehab for drinking and out of the service.
Funny scenes with her friends as they discuss what is important to them....complications arise when his twin brother comes to pay a visit and she thinks it's Blake....like fast paced action and adventure of his job...
Steamy sex scenes and small town living add to this story.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Horticulture Nov/Dec 2014
Never read this magazine so am eager to learn new things before our spring/summer growing season starts.
Very resourceful magazine, I can just imagine the colorful pictures of the flowers that you can grow.
Useful information about zones and what flowers to plant, due to their height and how much room they need, zone, etc.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Monday, February 23, 2015

Books read Feb 23



Crochet: Learn How to Crochet for Beginners. The Complete Guide on Crocheting including Step by Step Instructions with Pictures (Basic Crochet Stitches, Granny Squares and Joining Yarn)
Book starts out with the materials you will need, different fibers, tools you will need and how to understand the patterns.
Colorful photos along the way including how to hold your hook and start crocheting the stitches. 
Different very easy project with instructions are included along with motifs for afghans.
Excellent resource links for patterns, supplies, tips, etc.



Easy to Crochet Vintage Scrap Afghans Squares and Shapes
Book starts out with general information about crocheting and all the tools you will need.
Tips and notes along the way to make your crochet easier.
Each pattern comes with not only a colorful photo but step by step instructions on how to make the motif, how to assemble it and how to finish it off.
Row by row instructions and also the charted instructions are included.
6 patterns along with a tutorial online for the lattice stitch. Good layout for this type of booklet.


Mason Jar Survival Pantry: Survive Anything! Simple And Easy Mason Jar Meals To Stock Your Survival Pantry (Preppers Pantry - Survival - Apocalypse - Mason Jar Meals)
This book starts out with a free report on superfoods.
History of canning and preserving foods from the 1850's is discussed in detail.
Learned so much from reading this book, especially about canning and preserving meats and fish and other foods.
Goes into detail about the basic canning process, utensils needed and the processes.
Excellent resource book.



Vicky Finds a Valentine (Bird Brain Books Book 6)
Illustrated colorful children's book about Vicky, a love bird and it's Valentine's.
Her best friend Marie is late coming home one day and she has a lot to tell her-about Valentine's Day cards that they can make and share with others.
Vicky tries to get other dolls to be her Valentine and keeps searching.....til she finds one.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.







Baking Soda Power! Frugal and Natural: Health, Cleaning, and Hygiene Secrets of Baking Soda (Home Remedies, DIY Household Hacks, Chemical-Free, Green Cleaning, Natural Cleaning, Non-Toxic)
Starts off by telling us of the bad effects of other chemicals compared to baking soda, how good it is for health and for cleaning.
Lots of useful information about cleaning and odors and how to prepare the solutions.
Kitchen, bathroom, baking tips, beauty and hygiene uses, around the house, inside and out. So much to read about.



Just Stitches: 70 Knitting Stitch Patterns to Inspire Your Next Project (Tiger Road Crafts Book 4)
I am an avid knitter, make up my own designs and love to see patterns. I can then piece them together in a sweater or baby afghan.
This one starts out with abbreviations of the stitches and then onto the patterns.
Each pattern shows a colorful swatch and the written instructions on how to knit it.
Excellent resource book to keep with hard copies of similar books I have in my knitting library.
Turkish Stitch and Cosmopolitan will be the several I try for a charity baby afghan. So simple yet comes out elegant.
Other knit and crochet works are highlighted at the end.


Saving Grapes by J.T. Lundy
The cover with the vineyard laid out in front of me made me want to read this story. Love trees and producing things that are healthy.
Story starts out with him getting in trouble, losing his job, the woman who raised him only to find out he inherits a vineyard, in France. Due to his law troubles he's not to leave the country to tend to the vineyard. He also has to pay back losses of $60k for his antics.
Jason and Stumpy head off with others passports to France...and find the nuns own some of the vineyard and they don't want to sell it.
All the conniving escapades to get what is rightfully is, more than you know til the end. Funny scenes, almost like a SNL wayne's world. anything that can go wrong will, and then some kinda hilarious.
Learning in a  sense also. Great read
I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.


Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 7-9
Winterland: First story is of the dreams the tomcat has and the snow that has fallen one morning upon wakening. So bright and fluffy, as I look out our windows to see the same scenes.
Super Fun Day is when all shared in making the snowman-no school.  Stories are shared about what others do during their days off, even in warm climates.
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Baby Oliver: Days when Oliver was a baby and how his mother cared for him and his siblings. Dangers lurk closeby but she's there to help and teach him what to avoid.
A bedtime story for the kittens is included.
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Egging: Egging Time and everybody gets an egg to bring home til it hatches. You never know what you will get...
Simple stories and very colorful.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.



One Dog Sleigh by Mary Cassanova
Little girl hitches her dog up to a sleigh and not long others joined them.  Audio version so I'm not
seeing the animals who join but it sounds like an interesting combination along the way. Fun for all to play.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson
A Christmas story got my attention and I'm not really into cats.
Garrison Brown has returned from Uganda where he was helping with a water project. His parents died and his grandmother took care of him throughout his years.
Her will stipulates he has to find good homes for all her cats-all 6 of them. She has even written down instructions about each one and who they would be perfect for.
Some learn that there is money to go with the cat. Garrison has many other things he must check on-a home inspection and to find out if they'd be a good match.
He also has to find a person in the neighborhood. Love what she stood for and how he stands up for it. Love hearing how he meets the others just by being there.
He attempts to sell the house and everybody helps him to get it ready for the sale, painting, fixing things, even furniture to name a few. Just before Christmas he heads back from his job in the city
to fulfill his duties and he realizes not all the cats are happy in their new homes.....enjoyed the book, more than I thought as everybody came together for a good cause.
I received this book from  The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.



The Lighthouse Brides Collection
6 historic religious romances around lighthouse stations, 5 different authors.
When Love Awaits By Lynn Holman
1825 NC lighthouse. This one should be a good one, I can recall a Nicholas Sparks book about how one tends for a B&B during a hurricane on the outer banks.
Phoena is alone on the island and her parents are on the mainland for supplies. The hurricane is on its way and she knows what precautions she has to do.
She prays to God for safety for all as she goes about her chores. Love hearing of all the different lenses she needs to keep clean.
Love hearing of the wild ponies. Ian Duncan comes to visit and lend his knowledge and help.  She wants to prove she can take care of the lighthouse herself and he keeps offering his help.
He goes to keep her company and they share the eye of the storm and compare it with passages from the Bible. She thinks her calling is at the light stations...
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Phantom of My Heart by Diane Mills
1845 Bird Island, MA is haunted by one who died there. He finds poetry, flowers, etc now and hopes to find the woman of his dreams. He prays often.
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A Beacon in the Storm by Andrea Bashhart
Amanda Lewis, North Point Light, MI light and she and her mother can't care for it longer and a man wants to do it now.
A ships captain shipwrecks and they spend the night with a crew member. The captain is staying on land now and confides in Amanda of his past wife and how he raises Jenny.
She tells Gabe she has to be married then she will retain the job of lightkeeper. Gabe and Jenny are interested in her ...She watches Jenny after school and he agrees to attend the hearing for her commission...
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Safe Harbor by Paige Winship Doolee
Ian Morgan prays for a small boat, FL lighthouse.
Regan Steward and her daughter wash up on his shores.
He has many memories and never wants to leave the shore, he hears her with the kids and tells them of shopping in the city and misunderstandings happen.
They do continue to talk not only about God but their future lifes.
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Whispers Across The Blue by Diane Mills
1875 Oliver Point, TX, Jewel hears her intended say it's his last ship voyage til their wedding.
Mason just has one more shipment to deliver.  He wants his fathers approval and hopes to have his own shipment center one day.
He takes many risks when he sails.  She doesn't like the control his father has over him but God has his own control.
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A Time to Love by Sally Layatee
Cochille Light in Oregon, Rathcliff Rock 
Eden is a recent widower and she takes over the care of the lighthouse with her 4year old son Christian. They also have a housekeeper. Sherman is one that helps when he doesn't have an emergency.
She meets the captain who sails by and he also has delivered supplies to them.
Dan has lost his brother and makes sure his wife and kids have all they need. In his travels he picks up items for Eden and her son, religious themed.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
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Caught Inside by Daniel Duane
A Surfer spends a year In Santa Cruz, CA coast surfing. Local wildlife and how surfing works, water dynamics and the board itself.
Real life stories of when he is on the board, in the ocean and what creatures approach.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Circles by Doris Mortman
Jennifer Shelton father owned the bakery and she always helped out.
Joshua Mendel her friend. She has a magazine job and married Charles but her world crumbles below her...
The story follows many: Jennifer and her parents and her cheating husband. Widowed Joshua and his kids and his martial affairs.
Others who lives entwine with the above characters as they try to take what they want, at no cost to them...
Love hearing of the many aspects of the fashion magazine and all the categories. Hate to hear that others want to take it over at all costs. Like how the circles are formed. Surprised how things really worked out!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Desperate Farm
Just into this book a few chapters and love it. Sorry I had not read the previous books but the plot is coming together as we are brought up to date. Characters are a bit confusing, feel like they are coming at me in tenfold and I don't know who is even on whose side.
So many mysteries, KGB, hidden warheads, relationships with the twins, nature and the outdoors really appeal to me. So happy to learn of all the new places we've yet to explore and new things: elk and the hunts, etc.
The family is on the trail to find the warheads that are pinpointed with lat/long #'s on Alex's map that the kids have inherited. Like the plot and how the author keeps the book moving along as we go from location to location and it does get linked along the way.
Descriptions of the trails and scenery are so detailed I feel I am right there with them. Love all the indepth things about just every location they travel to. A surprise ending, for me and love the fast paced military based action romantic read.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review



Names of the Mountains
Interesting stories about how the Lindbergh's parents had taught all the kids about the mountains of the world, and star constellations as that is how they flew.
Now that the husband is gone his wife is failing also,  Alesha has memory problems now. The family will do an intervention. Love hearing of the siblings lives and
the kids they are raising as they are now teens. Love how the book got its name. When the ground shifts below your feet ...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Mean Streak by Sandra Brown
Emery and Jeff are married. He is a financial adviser and she is a runner and physician and they've fought about her schedule, specifically her running training.
Story alternates from present to the past.  She wakes up in a cabin with a man and has no idea how she got there but has a concussion and he claims he found her and brought her there to recuperate. The fog keeps them there as he won't risk his life to drive down the mountain.
Her husband is too busy with his new sexual partner to pay attention that his wife has been gone for more than her 2 day trip....and does finally file a missing persons report with the local cops.
FBI Jack is on a trail of a man of interest from years ago and we find out how this is related to Emery's case.
Emery is not able to find out who has taken her or much of anything else as she recovers from the injury.  She finds she is part of something bigger-  she is forced to steal medical supplies and they drive on icy roads to help them out...
Cops are investigating Jeff as he has missing time slots...
Fast paced action and adventure that holds your interest til the very end when it all becomes clear-or does it, as to who killed who.
At times it's hard to follow along as there are many characters and at the beginning you are following many stories.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Lake In The Woods by Tim O'Brien
Story of Wayne and wife Cathy and his attempts to become a state senator are over with. They take a trip to the lake where there is a forest to recoup and reconnect with one another.
Problem is there is a deep chasm between them and one day he wakes up to find his wife gone. He is investigated as the cops not found her and the story goes back in time to when he served in Vietnam.
Horrid scenes unfold. Her sister comes to help search for her and her talks with Wayne reveal the past secrets and also how his wife hated the political campaigns.  Magic, illusions, sorcery,
Pat fears Wayne has killed Cathy...as a child his father bullied and teased him due to his weight...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


When Day Breaks by Maya Banks
Eden a model that has body guards due to her military father, knows when something is wrong.
A shooter tried to take her out. Her dad had summoned the brothers for a meeting and he tells them all he knows-starts with his wife who had been targeted and killed.
He fears they are after the daughter now...and Reed says he can get the KGI group to help take the murderers son out, once and for all. Swanny and others are on board and want to help.
She selects Swanny to personally guard her and all the others in the background. They are sexually chemically attracted to one another and slowly go to that goal.
Hot steamy sex scenes and I love the travel overseas. He doesn't want to show her the physiologic and physical scars he's acquired fighting in the war...he sees himself as a beast and her a beauty.
The criminal has been abducted but then why was she being kidnapped?
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Friday, February 13, 2015

Books read Feb 13




Not Done Yet by David Tienter 
Story of a man in his 70's who's on the road now that his wife has passed away. He's just looking for simple things in life til his time has come.
He is camping in SD which is one state we've never traveled to and I'm eager to learn a bit more about which the book is providing me with descriptions that make me want to go visit.
Story also follows a man who has joined a biker group and he hopes to be imitated when he comes across the old man at the camp site. He also goes to rob him but the old man has other plans.
As he gets away from the campground other bikers find him but not for long. It reminds him of his war days in Vietnam where he was upon similar circumstances of death.
Matt meets up with the cop Frank Johnson and he becomes his friend and he hopes to get Matt out of town, alive. The biker group will be on him soon. Frank and his wife are happy the bikers are dead-they go back a long way.
The bikers also keep a female in the basement for their sexual pleasure and she is blindfolded and handcuffed. The bikers have killed an older man driving a Jeep thinking it was the one who murdered their biker friends.
Now Matt knows he has to make it right again, the justice, his way. So many more deaths and I loved hearing of the Indians in paradise who nursed him back to health with help from the sheriff. Loved the gift he leaves them with....
I hate violence and even more the degree in the book but without it, the story wouldn't be the same. I can't seem to get enough of the story. I don't want it to end.
I received this book from Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.



Fried Rice Recipes: 20 Delicious and Unique Asian Fried Rice Dishes You Can Cook at Home
Was talking to my husband the other day and he mentioned he'd love to learn how to make spanish fried rice so when this book became available I grabbed it in hopes it'd have a recipe, or similar we could try.
Some pictures but no nutritional information. Very very very detailed instructions in how to make all the different parts of one recipe and then how to combine them all together. Look appealing.
Saw a few I'd like to try because of the discussion of the dish itself and how they express not only the meaning but the flavors that will enhance the product.


GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER (Very Funny, Rhyming Bedtime Story/Picture Book About Attitude, for Early Readers, Emphasizing the "Oooh" Sound, 25 Whimsical Illustrations, Ages 2-8)
An illustrated colorful children's book about just getting along with one another. Three animals are just sitting and one doesn't really have enough room so the others push over and that leaves one of them with hardly any room.
This continues and they end up moving to other areas and then other animals are without a lot of room. The hot air balloon is the answer til they notice a nest and new birds and now they don't have enough room...
The birds have the solution all along and they share it with the animals and others.
Authors other works are highlighted at the end.



Quick & Easy: A Week of Meals in a Day! Delicious Recipes for Beginners - 20 Quick Easy Recipes You Can Make in a Day! (Quick & Easy, Quick & Easy Recipes, ... Recipes, Beginner Cookbook Book 1)
Illustrated and pictures with recipes of healthy foods to prepare ahead of time.
Each recipe not only comes with a photo but tells you what equipment you will need, ingredients,   servings and portions and storage and servings tips.
Ingredients have some of the healthiest but the nutritional information is not included. You should be able to use 'light' products to make it more healthier.
Very detailed instructions on how to put the dish together.
Energy balls will be one I will be making. Other gift from the author is at the end of the book.



Public Secrets by Nora Roberts
Emma Parker, as a child she was told from her mom of her father, the rockstar and they lived in London.
Jane drinks, heavily and threatens to kill the child and herself after telling the TV reporters why they were abandoned by the rockstar. 
was taken by her father as a child and lives with her father Brian and his pregnant girlfriend Bev. Her mom always hit her but she's happy to have money now to do what she wants.
The rockstar band travels to America and the females join them as they tour around making it big.
Story also follows Jane, a new apartment, lots of clothes, drugs, men and she thinks she sold her daughter for too low a price.
The unthinkable happens: they attempted to give the boy a shot and then kidnap him but something went wrong and Emma alerted others of the events, she fell down the stairs and broke her arm. She's never been able to talk about that night but is still holding all the secrets inside.
Bev leaves her husband and Emma and takes up with other band members but realizes it was she who had failed them.
I felt the book was way too long but it does cover a lifetime of some in the book.
Story follows Emma as she's now an adult along with members of the band.  Surprised they were able to track down all the information about her toddler brothers death.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).





S by John Updike
This book is a compilation of letters from Sarah Worth as she writes to many others who live back home. She has left Charles and has moved to the west.
She goes on and on and on about some things like she's very lonely and hasn't talked to anyone in months. So explicit instructions on how to clean, leave which doors unlocked when the maid comes, etc
She has left to go follow a religious cult of sorts and devote her life to the organization. She writes to many telling them her side of what happened. Liked the details of the co-op and the jobs she has while there, so descriptive.
At times she is teaching the yoga phrases and monosyllables as if they are a new language.
Lots of discussion of the Budha practices, nudity, sex scenes and how it all plays a part in where she is located.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner
Alicia Wice has a full plate-taking care of her ailing aging parents, married and have a teen daughter and working.
She reads a magazine article and she discovers she is addicted to painkillers, pops them like breath mints. Then others find out and intervene.
The rest is how she goes to rehab and I learn so much about the problem. Life on the outside after rehab is a bit frightening as she is so close to using again...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Life is a Wheel, Love Death etc and a bike ride acorss America by Bruce Weber
Wanted to read this book for the travel, all new exciting places to explore and learn about, never mind the other things that come with the story.
Enjoyed learning new things about the road-signal at end of a tunnel and all the other interesting things he saw along the way. So many people along the way made the trip very worthwhile.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Cape Cod Noir  by David Ulin
Beach vacation scenes and this series is about many other contributions from various writers in different districts.
Vacation never ends for the islanders when the summer season is over.
Many stories are about men who have been released from prison and how they live their lives on the cape.
 I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Valentine's Day Poems and Stories by Caroline Feller Bauer
This holiday is just upon us and it will put me in the mood for the holiday, baking heart shaped cookies, etc.
Love the stories and especially the poems about conversation hearts and red hot hearts and hugging sandwich.
Directions for a clay heart pendant is included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Lavenders Blue, A book of nursery rhymes by Kathleen Lines and Harold Jones
Cute nursery rhymes that I recall myself. Some my mother taught us with how to demonstrate some of them.
Audio book for children and adults alike. Love the a for apple pie then b bit it, etc all the way through the whole alphabet. House that Jack built is another really good one. Fun games to play also and you are told how to do them.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan
Snow Crystal, VT. This love story is about Shawn O'Neil-the 2nd book in the O'neil brothers series, but a good standalone. He is a surgeon and he summered in VT.
His grandfather is ill and he is summoned home to VT.  Alise the head chef at the restaurant is also in VT hoping to open the Boathouse restaurant and very close to his twin, jackson. They have shared a night together and neither wants any ties.
Story not only follows their past life and present reuniting but others in the family. He agrees to finish the deck for the restaurant and his grandfather doesn't want him to stick around.
Love bantering among the guys when they are together, always teasing one another, so natural.  We learn what happened at his fathers funeral that has turned his grandfather from him.
Hot steamy sex scenes add to the story lines. Love learning about the area and the hiking overnight. Tragedies occur and breaks them up but it's just a misunderstanding, or is it?  Will track down other books in this series as I love the area, the family, etc
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Ice Storm by Rick Moody
1973 Thanksgiving weekend, about how the family is falling apart.
Benjamin Hood - His mistress Janie Williams. He's had affairs before, he strives to have things he can't have.
Story also follows Wendy Williams who's in high school and she's waiting to meet up with Mikey who she's watched touch himself and she wants some of it.
Her father finds them in the basement and they walk home and he doesn't care if she wants to have sex, he just wants her to have a better guy.
Eleanor Hood has read a lot of sex manuals, she wants more but her husband Ben doesn't seem to care about it at all, with her.
Gets confusing at times with introduction to others and their problems at holiday parties. Reminds me of a Peyton Place.... as there is talk of the key swingers exchange at a party-you go home with someone else  for the night. Tragedy and death and dark places...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Coast of Summer
Excited to learn that in this book about sailing the coast of New England that the author also stops at the island my mom and dad lived in the RI area.
Liked hearing of the landmarks one sees from the water as we know them from the landside. Island hopping at its best.
What adventures!  Love the tour of all the islands and what makes each special for fresh seafood, people met along the way, seashelling or just day tripping.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Jokes, Giggles and Guffaws by Helen Hoke
Love alphabet puzzles the best. So silly some of the jokes.
So many are just common sense ones but so funny anyways.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Robert B. Parkers, The Bridge
Enjoy the author's other works and realize he has passed on but his stories continue with others helping to finish writing them.
This one is a western and about a deputy and a friend who track down the culprits of who blew up the bridge and killed the sheriff and 2 other deputies.
Love the clues and especially the details of the land. Surprised with the extravaganza that comes to town and how Everett spends time with a woman who it turns out never existed.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Books read Feb 3 2015




Impulse   by EB Walters
This family saga book is mostly about Lex. He runs a business and in order for him to cinch the deal he has to be married and he sets out to find a woman who will help him out.
He has a list and there are mostly actresses on it because he would need the performance of a lifetime. Problem is at the movie set he runs into a stunt woman Jillian and she catches his eye and she knows about motorcycles which he has a business with one of his brothers.
She hears him out and agrees to help with a contract and some stipulations because she really needs the 350000. There are a lot of mysteries surrounding her stunt/daring performances with her brothers on their bikes. Much more mysteries come to light that help explain why someone is out to get her family.
Explosive sex scenes and I was surprised not a lot of the Fitzgerald family was here to help as in the other books in this series. Really enjoyed the new venture with Lex friends and the paying it forward aspect.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

 


A Sandy Seashell Shop Christmas: An Outer Banks E-short by Lisa Wingate
I have read other stories by this author and they are always enjoyable and heart warming.
Starts out with Tiff and she has Micah on the edge of the blanket and they are on the beach, it's not summer but Christmas is the next day. It's how they do the holiday now that Aaron isn't there and she vows to make it a real Christmas, next year for the small toddler.
She decides the time is now and they head to the party at Sandy's Seashell shack-come as you are.
They fit in while watching the live nativity scene among Micah playing in the sandbox in the store. She feels comfortable in knowing he may get to meet Santa for the first time. She also meets him, Jason and they come to an understanding when he notices the coins hanging from her necklace-they match a set he has...
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.




Gone Girl by  Gilliam Flynn
Starts out with Nick and Amy and their marriage has taken a wrong turn. Nick used to work in the magazine field and has lost his job after 11 years, in NYC.
Amy then lost her job and they moved to Missouri.  He borrows money from his twin sister and opens a bar.  It's their 5th wedding anniversary and the neighbor calls to inform Nick his front door is wide open with the cat on the porch. He hurries home to find things half done by Amy and she's nowhere to be found.
He had expected her to do her treasure hunt-one I used to do with kids I'd babysit for. She had left the kettle on the stove, iron on and things left unirioned-so unlike Amy. The book has alternating chapters from Amy, some from her diary over the years, dating back to when they first met and as their relationship matured over the years.
Other events come to the forefront: his sister helping him and their father who left the home he was in...
The notes to his treasure hunt with the help of the police take him on a journey of riddles that he can solve in hopes of finding her. The inlaws try to come to his rescue and help solve the mystery treasure hunt also and to shine light to Amy's past.
Infidelities and lies are a new way of life to help cope with his wife's turn away from him.  Cops come up with other bits of evidence, borrowing against her trust fund for the bar and to take care of his dying mother, gun purchase, blood on the floor, his wife was pregnant, life insurance policy, $$ cc due in his name only, staged things that aren't adding up and he hires a lawyer who he must not lie to...
Story also follows Amy and how she planned some things to make it point to Nick as the killer, she needs to punish him for what she knows.
Next surprises me and I feel they deserve one another and all their secrets and lies. Really indepth background work done for the planning stages.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

Before We Kiss by Susan Mallory
Have read the other books in this very long series and feel that most of the story is playing catch up with the characters.
There is a town where it's run by all women. New charcters come into Fool's Gold and we catch up with the older ones still living there.
Sam Ridge, football star, hasn't made it very well with other females. Delina Hopkins, party planner and helps at the dress shop and she's raised her younger sisters. They had a past life together, 5 months earlier. They talk about that night and move on-he needs her as a party planner, in 4 weeks time.
Parents and their views was a bit much at times, I think the shock factor comes into play for the theme of the book. Book follows many of the other characters in town and their relationships. At times, if you have not followed the book from #1 you'd be lost as to who everybody is.
Story is very predictable, sex scenes are good. Like the ideas of the party and how the animals play a part and charity work.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


The Day the Crayons Quit by Dave Daywalt
Audio book about a boy who goes to school one day and finds letters written to him from his crayons.
They are angry because of the way Duncan cares for the crayons.
Red tells him how overworked he is with coloring for Valentines Day and around Christmas decorations.
Another tells that he needs to color inside the lines. Others complain about other crayons and how they are being used.
Love how one crayon doesn't have a wrapper on, too funny! Duncan has a solution to all their problems. With this audio version I am not able to see the end result but I can just imagine how perfect the drawing is.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Growing up in Coal Country by Suzanne Bogolettia
1830'a Boys growing up in Northeast PA area where coal mines were mined.
Damp, dark silence for low pay, it's where the immigrants went to start out in US.
Stories of how the boys unite and fight against unfair work ethics and how women stuck together to maintain their heritage.
Liked hearing of birds and other animals and how they played a big part in coal mining.
So educational with the detailed descriptions of the various jobs the boys worked at.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



I Have a Garden by Bob Barner
Audio book so not able to see all the things being displayed. Among the bugs and other flying insects
it shows other wonderful things that are found in a garden-flowers, a garden for all of us.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


The Escape by David Balducci
Kansas prison and with the storm and power being out and the backup generator not working all the cell doors open and we find that John Pullers' brother has left the prison
but a dead body has been put in his place. It's up to John to find out how and where his brother is. His brother was to be living at the DB for life as he was guilty.
Story also follows Bobby and how he changes his facial features, etc.  The feds have questioned their father who's in a nursing facility as he has not much of his memory left.
After he's interviewed he turns to Julie Carson to help him figure things out. He pairs up with Knox and they go over each of the details again and he finds out through various sources that his brother was in prison to save his family.
Love all the different angles and how they find more clues. Hard to follow at times with so many people involved and so surprised at how this all could point to the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


If You Knew Me by Ann Rouffe
Research scientist takes a year long sabbatical for one year. She meets a man and his disabled daughter.
Leah, over 30 is at the beach house in the winter. Ollie cares for his sister Sally.
They spend time together getting to know each other. Love the detailed descriptions of her walking on the beach, as if I am there. it's so explicit.
They each like to be alone but find companionship with one another also.
Like the talk of the book classics as that is what he teaches...
Fear and other emotions when Sally runs away, to the water. Secrets he kept from everybody that brings them all closer together.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Love Shack
This story follows the saga and is about Sky Alixander  who runs the rental of the bungalows.
Gage Lowell was at the beach after his time in the war zone, to heal.
He was a war photographer/journalist and has a twin, Griffin who we've read about in other bungalow stories.
Her letters had kept him alive and they had summered at the same beach years when they were all young.
Story also follows Holly, now a schoolteacher and she's reunited with her childhood friend, Tee who's also there for a month.
Hot steamy scenes only add to this beach read. Love descriptions of tidal pools.
Like the mystery of who is stalking her and how he handles it and her.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Bungalow Nights
Layla Parker runs the bakery and Vance Smith is the one soldier who returned to recuperate.
Summer nights on the coast where avocado is grown and it means it's the fertility fruit.
Problem is Layla's uncle hired her a nanny Vance, not thinking she is no longer 10.
He's recuperating from the war and he's heading back after he heals. There are hot steamy sex scenes. Love the area of the beach scenes.
#9 cottage appears to have magic as Griffin and Jane will marry soon and they spent a month there. Loved hearing of the rum runners as we had them here in RI in the day.
Story also follows Addy March and Baxter Smith and their relationship ups and downs.
Recipes included

Beach House #9 - Crescent Cove, CA Jane is to help a war hero write his story. Griffin lets her know he doesn't want her.  He's in party mode and she's in work mode and he has a deadline.
Hot steamy sex scenes. Love the detailed descriptions of the surrounding beach area. Love the pet names and how understanding and patient it takes him to take care of her and her needs.
Story also follows his sister and her family and their troubles.



Across the Green Ocean by Wendy Lee
This book was a bit more than what I thought. Loved all the detailed explicit descriptions of the scenery abroad and stateside along with what the characters were doing.
Starts out with the father dying and leaving a woman and her 2 kids, who are grown and don't live at home. Michael discovers letters written to the father and tracks down who he has to meet with in China to find out how they knew one another-as everything is forgiven the letter stated.
Emily is the grown and married daughter who works a lot of overtime and her pay shows for it although her spouse spends time making food for hours on end to please her. He wants kids and she never does, still.
Story goes back in time to how the parents met and their beliefs. Quite strong beliefs from the kids also come to the forefront and how they deal with them.
Love the mystery in this book but didn't expect the homosexual scenes to be so pronounced.
Liked what he discovers in China that helps him heal and helps him and others in the family move forward. 
I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review


You're Only Old Once by Dr. Seuss
Funny at times when a man goes to his annual physical exam, he will be lucky to make it out with his clothes on.
Whimsical rhyming tale of how doctors will find something wrong with you and have you referred to yet another doctor although you are having no symptoms.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Just finishing up a sweater I custom made with all kinds of cabling patterns and thought I'd read about how Elizabeth uses her template.
Lots of tips along the way that trouble many of us with different problems.  This is an audio book but it is describing the diagrams of what is being discussed.
Gauge and the right percentage chart will guarantee a perfect fit. Patterns of items to be made are discussed row by row where the hard parts are. Lots of different techniques.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


White House Garden Cookbook, Healthy Ideas for your family from our family by Clara Silverstein
Recipes from the past presidents gardens to table. Also tells what the presidents and families had growing.
Story of how Michelle O'Bama started the kitchen garden and how the children helped along with other school age children.
Lots of recipes for the crops grown and lots of resource information from other agencies around the US that also grow crops to help feed others.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The High Cost of Dying, a guide to Funeral planning by Gregory Young
Great resource book to read prior to when you are going to need it for yourself or a loved one.
The many options available and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



The Silent Sister by Diane Chambarlain
Riley McPherson thought her sister committed suicide. It influenced her entire life and when her father dies she goes through his papers and finds out her sister is alive and on the run.
Secrets untold... she learns so much when others come forward when she is cleaning out her father's house and other dwellings.
Story also follows Lisa side to the story, the night she had died... Love travel and all the descriptions of the area, lifestyles.
Handful of characters that are easy to keep track of. What a change occurs when she discovers the real truth. Shocking but very believable.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Girlfriends, invisible bonds by Carmen Renee Berry and Tamara Trader
Female friendships are vital to a woman's growth. Opinions and bonds throughout a woman's life, starting at childhood stage.
Lots of stories through tough times and fun times. Authors ask for your stories to maybe include in their next book.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Winter's Tale by  Jonathan Winters
Collection of winter stories that are quite unusual.
Short stories about winter months and related from the comic who made Mork and Mindy.
Liked the dance one and the pheasant hunting with his grandfather the best.
Military ones were quite somber and sad.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
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Relax you may only have a few minutes left: using power of humor to overcomes stress
Many examples of using humor to get over the stress in our lifes.
Just pretend to be a 8 year old and be silly-things we have done when we are around our grandson. We need to do these things when he's not even here. See how many heads we can turn.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg
His great aunt requests he stop in for a Christmas cop of tea. He doesn't want his past memories of her
to change so is reluctant to go visit her now after she's suffered a stroke. Rhyming sentences and he finds a
nice surprise when he does go-it's all the same as it used to be.  A holiday miracle.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


Mr. Hobbs Vacation by Edward Schreeter
He and his family will go to Rock Harbor and their kids and their kids for a vacation.
He has it all planned out and that's not how things turn out...they are renting a place they've never seen.
He was so used to order and everything but happens....
Laugh out loud at all the mishaps as you have experienced some of them also...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).


A Christmas Prayer 
Alexia Fletcher hasn't had a good Christmas since her mother died and now she's planning a life with her fiancee, Chase.
Know exactly how she feels as we lost not only my mom this past year but my mother in law. Just not into family gatherings...
She has cheerful memories of past spent holidays that would bring a smile to her face. She feels that she's further away from her sister and niece as the time goes by...she is putting off having sex with him til after the summer wedding.
She takes sleeping pills to help get over the pain of the holidays.
She finds comfort in church activities and prayers and that's where she had met Chase.  She is a motivational speaker and her earnings have increased over the years and wants to share the news with her mom.
The pastor wants them all to write their own Christmas prayer and she hopes with the words it will help heal her so she can move on and be happy with life again.
His widowed mother spends a lot of time with them and between the problems her sister has tossed her way Alexia has just had enough.
She ends up breaking up with Chase and the pastor tries to talk to them to reconcile...then a miracle happens.
 I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).




Christmas Poems by Maya Cohen Livingstone
Different poems from many authors on the special day.
Some are silly and some are very traditional.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Weird New England, Your travel guide to New Englands local legends,  Best Kept Secrets by Joseph Citro
Lots of places to visit with the unusual especially in my back yard. Always good for a day trip.
4 statues of frogs sitting on spools of thread over the Willamantic River, CT would be a good photo op for us. Lots of other places around the New England area, day trips or a night at the hotel if you can plan for many visits to the sites. Ghost and cemetery stories also along with just strange sights.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).



Rock 'n Roll Heaven by Shawn Inmon
Starts out talking about the Black Velvet band on the road and the mixture of players, their ages varied and spread far along with their instruments and love of music.
Lot of details of what the musicians go through before and after going on stage.
Abuse of alcohol is discussed as it played a big part with Jimmy and Debbie.  He ends up in a crash with the tour bus and goes into rock and roll heaven where he meets up with legends in the music industry and they write a new song, Edge of Heaven.
He recalls that he should've treated others better in his past life-he knows now...then he wakes up, he's not dead at all... now how will he live the rest of his life. 
Many other works are highlighted at the end of this book among another short story.




Alf The Workshop Dog by Emma Calin
Won this book via a giveaway at Library Thing and was always fascinated with the creature we used to watch on TV every week.
We even have a hand puppet of the creature in the living room.
Pictures throughout the book along with QR codes to help tell the story of the little boy whose father and mother were king and queen of the land.
He tries to live up to what his father expects and sometimes doesn't always follow the lead and that lands him in trouble.
When the king dies he must return to rule the lands and with his dog they can do anything. He has gone through a lot and knows how he wants to run the land.
Lots of QR codes about free things to get and other information. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Enjoyed the book more than I realized as it's similar to Robin Hood times, being in the forest and ruling the lands.
I received this book from Library Thing via the author in exchange for my honest review.